Advice for Bikers

The BHS has recently sent out the following advice for Mountain Bike riders. Why don't you get some of your cycling friends to take a look

Video urges Mountain bikers
to ‘Stop, Stand Speak’

Respect: Share the Trail, a
new video produced by Forestry Commission Wales in association with
The British Horse Society, shows bikers how to help keep Wales’s forests
safe by being more aware of horse riders sharing the popular paths: “Stop,
Stand, Speak”.

The two-minute clip, filmed
in Bwlch Nant-yr-Arian, near Aberystwyth, shows how trails can be made
safer for all if consideration is given to horse riders.

Forestry Commission Wales Visitor
Management Advisor, Dave Liddy, said: “As a responsible land manager,
we want to raise the awareness of mountain bikers using our trails, but
the message is just as applicable anywhere in the countryside. It’s been
great to deal with the British Horse Society on this issue and sense the
shared passion for the countryside that they have with mountain bikers.”

There are estimated to be around
90,000 horses in Wales and horse riding is permitted in most of the Forestry
Commission’s woodlands. Also, both mountain bikers and horse riders are
legally allowed to use public bridleways, byways and unclassified public
roads in the wider countryside.

“The potential for conflict
is obvious. The ‘Stop, Stand, Speak’ message really ought to be at the
forefront of any bike rider’s mind,” said Dave.

BHS Director of Access Safety
and Welfare, Mark Weston, said; “We were pleased to work with Forestry
Commission Wales on this project which promotes cooperation between
bikers and riders. Consideration on both sides will make everyone’s access
to the forests safer and more enjoyable.”